Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-04-21
A LOVERS RUSE.

| IL
agree with YOU"
II wish it didn't! I wish it would dry
me up and blow me away, or an eruption
or the earth would send some huge rock
down upon me, and end it alp
ooh, nonsense, Harry! You are little
dyspeptic. Come, have cigar, and face
your troubles like man. I know what
the matter is; I've seen it all along, my
boy! Let her go, say, with her villain
ous-looking foreigner"
''Of course you've seen it. Everybody
seen how she has gone on, and I've borne
it all, and said nothing until last night,
when, as I had a right, I asked an
explanation, but I wish I hadn't, I'm
sorry she explained it, for it's all over
now, and she's free to have that con-
founded baron: wish he'd accidentally
shoot or drown himself"
s'That never would do, Harry, for she
would go mourning all her days after
him, in that case, and you wouldn't stand
half the chance you do now. I wish you
would make up your mind to let her go.
She isn't worthy of you, I'm sure"
eyes, she is. You don't know her,
Fred. She is gentle and good, but very
ambitious. She can't help it. You see I
understand her. All her family are very
ambitious.'
ooh! that's it, is it? Probably that is
the way she explained her behavior to
you last nights
"No such thing, Fred? She don't
understand the real motive which has
induced her to do as she has done. 1t
is all owing to her bringing up. She
sees a better chance than can offer and
falls in love with that, and there stand
her father and brothers ready to encour-
age the thing. I see how it isl
'Then what do you intend to dor:
'I'm in hopes that she will become
disguised with her baron before it is too
late. He isn't much Of a fellow, and if
it wasn't for his title and money his
chance would be small enough"
'Then you don't think she loves
him?"
"No, I'm sure she does not"
"Well, all I've to say is that Imogene
Lacy is a vain, mercenary, heartless girl,
unworthy of the affection of my friend,
Hammond"
"You don't know her, and that is why
you talk so.
"Well, perhaps I don't; however, I've
a plan to propose, which will show you
which way her heart turns; and if she
cares anything for you she will turn her
back square on the baron and his mon
ey-bags. Here take a cigar and light it,
while I make sure there is no danger of
our conversation being overheard"
DR.. Frederick Mason opened the door
of his room and looked out; then he ex-
amined the windows, and finding the
coast clear resumed his seat, and for
some time the two sat earnestly talking
in low, guarded tones.
'The view is very fine there. See how
the soft rays of the moon glimmer over
the lake, and the shadow of the overhang
ing trees; oh, how beautiful" and Miss
Lacy paused and gazed in silence at the
scene before her. The aaron bent his
dark eyes upon his fair companion, and
in low, soft accents, said:
''You have de great love for de ma
ture.'
"Oh, yes. There is SO much of won
drous beauty to worship in the work of
the Devine Master. A scene like this fills
me with deep JOY, fills the worldly emo
tions of nay nature, and whispers to my
inward sense peace be with thee.'"
"And you listen to de voice of de ma
ture, and you be still and happy; but when
I look at you [ cannot hear the voice of
anything but my heart crying forever dat
it loves you. Is there no answer in your
| hearth
Imogene stood with dowhcast look, aud
made no answer. No light of love beam
ed in her eyes, nor blush mantled her
cheek. She was fully conscious that her
heart gave no extra throb and yet she was
considering how to answer encouraginly.
She waited SO long, that her companion
spoke again:
"Have you no word for me?"
'You are very kind" she said, softly,
with little sigh.
''And you. Will you be kind to me?"
Glow can I be otherwise?"
s'And you will be my wife?" ne asked
eagerly bending down toward her. limo
caught it in warm clasp and said, quick
ly:
'I have your promise?"
eyes" was the low reply, and, turning
away from the moon-lit lake, she said:
"Let US go now"
There was a lonely bit of woodland
through which they must pass to gain the
main walk and, scarcely had they entered
this, when a dark figure sprang before
them.
"Your money or your life!s was the de-
mand, in rough accents, and with shrek
Imogene turned to her companion for pro.
lection, but he was quite busy in handing
over his ready money, and paid no heed
to her terror.
The higwayman pocketed the baron's
effects, and then, turning to the lady, he
politely requested her to hand over her
Jewels, but she was quite unable to do so
for, overcome with fright, she had sank
upon the ground.
The robber presented pistol at the no.
BILE baron and requested him TO rid the
lady of her superfuous ornaments, and
pass them to him.
ssFor de life he must have Desc" said
the trembling baron. STOPPING over limo
} gene, and removing her bracelets, necklace
and earrings. II have no arms to fight
for you. Pardon me-" and he gave the
Jewels to the robber; then taking hold OF
, one of Imogene's hands, he said:
, ssNow, we may 60"
'sNot SO easy to tell tales. Stand of
/ there until I silence your tongue"
> Imogene, glancing up, saw the pisto
glimmering in the moonlight, knew tia
| the harop drOppad her hand apd "A al ar-o -